Design and experimental investigations on a small scale traveling wave thermoacoustic engine

A small scale traveling wave or Stirling thermoacoustic engine with a resonator of only 1 m length was designed, constructed and tested by using nitrogen as working gas. The small heat engine achieved a steady working frequency of 45 Hz. The pressure ratio reached 1.189, with an average charge pressure of 0.53 MPa and a heating power of 1.14 kW. The temperature and the pressure characteristics during the onset and damping processes were also observed and discussed. The experimental results demonstrated that the small engine possessed the potential to drive a Stirling-type pulse tube cryocooler.

► A small scale traveling wave thermoacoustic heat engine was designed and constructed. ► Experimental investigations were done and satisfying performances were achieved. ► Low frequency and high pressure ratio for small thermoacoustic engines were obtained. ► Confidence in miniaturization of the Stirling thermoacoustic engine is enhanced.